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The longtime Pembroke resident founded the Pembroke Military Support Group just after Sept. 11, 2001, knowing the U.S. would likely be going to war.

The group fundraises and provides emotional support for local families that have lost loved ones in Iraq and Afghanistan.

"It's just so heartbreaking to lose a son -- a son or daughter," said Dana Bean.

He lost his son Pfc. Matthew Bean in 2007 in Iraq. He was killed by a sniper at just 22 years old.

"The picture's kind of neat, 'cause he looks like a tough Army guy," he says, looking at a poster of Matthew that will be part of the float. "But what he really has is his guitar over his shoulder."

Elaine Crudup lost her son Spc. Jesse Crudup. He suffered from PTSD after an extended tour in Iraq. The float contains a poster of him, his Army boots and his uniform.

"We were basically non-existent when our son died," Elaine told NewsCenter 5. "It was something we didn't expect. And these people pulled us through."

Once the float was fully prepped with mementos of Crudup, Bean and 1st Lt. Brian McPhillips, a Pembroke Marine killed in Iraq in 2003, it made its way to the parade route. The three families walked behind it, carrying American flags.

They say there's no pride that compares with that walk.

"It's a great remembrance," Dana Bean says, "of the character of the young men and women in this town."

"Extreme pride," says Crudup. "I'm so proud of my son and what he did. He gave his all."